College World Series: Poche’, LSU Move In Bracket Final

OMAHA—On a night when Louisiana State needed a victory most, lefthander Jared Poche’ did what he has done more often in his career than anyone in the program’s storied history: win.

LSU staked Poche’ to an early lead with a five-run second inning and the senior made the lead stand up with eight strong innings on the mound. LSU defeated Florida State, 7-4, to stay alive in the CWS, and Poche’ won his 39th career game, setting a new program record.

LSU advances to play Oregon State in Friday afternoon’s bracket final. The Tigers must win that game to force a winner-take-all game Saturday with a trip to the final series on the line.

The Tigers jumped on Seminoles starter Cole Sands in the second inning. Greg Deichmann led off the inning with a double, the first of three straight hits to start the second for LSU. With two runs home already, freshman Jake Slaughter, the nine-hole hitter, drove a three-run home run to left field, giving Poche’ a sizable cushion.

Slaughter came into the game hitting .259/.356/.341 and had not started either of LSU’s CWS games. He said he didn’t know he was starting until getting to the field Wednesday, but was ready to deliver on the biggest stage.

“It was really exciting because I love to go out there and compete,” he said. “I was ready to help my team win.”

Working with plenty of support, Poche’ cut through a potent Florida State lineup. The Seminoles hit three solo home runs off the lefthander, including back-to-back shots to start the ninth inning, but were never able to sustain a rally. He scattered seven hits and two walks over eight innings, limiting the Seminoles to four runs (three earned).

“Poche’ was just the man tonight,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. “I mean, he put the team on his shoulders and carried us to the promised land.”

While LSU extended its stay in Omaha, Florida State was eliminated and will again leave the CWS without a national championship. The Seminoles have made 22 appearances in the CWS, the third most all-time, but have never won the tournament.

Coach Mike Martin said he doesn’t know if he’s ever been prouder of a team.

“I cannot tell you that I’m the least bit unhappy with this ballclub,” Martin said. “This was a special, special team to do what they did. Very, very proud of them.”

LSU will now prepare for a rematch Friday with Oregon State, the No. 1 national seed, after taking a 13-1 drubbing Monday night. Mainieri said the Beavers are a “tremendous ballclub” and the Tigers have a tough challenge ahead of them.

“It’s going to take our very best effort to be able to have any success against them, but we’re looking forward to it,” Mainieri said. “To get there, we had to play a really good game today. And I thought we did.”